How To Air Layer Cannabis In 7 Simple Steps

Propagating cannabis is a great way to grow multiple plants from strong parent specimens. The air layering method is a particularly good way to propagate cannabis, often producing better results than other propagation methods. Read on for a closer look at air layering and how it works.

HOW AIR LAYER PROPAGATION WORKS

Air layer propagation, also known as air cloning, works on a variety of plants. It seems to work particularly well for woody plants like figs, yuccas, as well as fruit-bearing trees. It allows you to propagate branches from a plant while they are still attached to the parent stock by sealing them off in a kind of makeshift chamber with moist moss.

In doing so, the branch starts developing its own roots and can later be cut and planted independently. Air layering can actually happen naturally in the wild when a branch touches the ground. Over time, the branch can develop its own roots that grow deep below the surface.

THE BENEFITS OF AIR LAYERING

There are many ways to propagate plants, but air layering is by far one of the easiest, fastest, and most effective. When done properly, air layering can produce new roots in as little as two weeks. Plus, you can air layer mature branches from plants that have been vegging for weeks to create large, mature clones.

Best of all, air layering allows you to preserve the genetics from your mother without damaging her until the clone is ready to be transplanted and grow on its own.

HOW TO PROPAGATE CANNABIS PLANTS USING AIR LAYERING

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

To air layer your cannabis plants, you’ll need the following materials:

• Durable plastic wrap/cling film, preferably opaque or black
• A piece of sphagnum moss (rooting blocks can also work)
• Some rooting/cloning gel
• A sharp, sterilised knife
• Rubber bands or bread ties

INSTRUCTIONS

Air layering is a simple process.

1. Start by soaking your moss or rooting block, then squeeze it to remove any excess water.
2. Next, select the branch you want to clone. For best results, pick a strong branch that shows good vegetative growth. You may need to remove some leaves from the branch to make room for the moss/rooting block.
3. Score the part of the branch where you’ll put the moss. You can do this by just running the edge of your knife a few centimetres along the branch in a kind of peeling motion. Aim the blade slightly downward so it cuts into the branch, but does not break it nor go too far through.
4. Apply the rooting/cloning gel to the scored part of the plant.
5. Cover the scoured part of the branch and surrounding area with the moist moss/block.
6. Wrap the moss or rooting block in plastic and tie off either end with the rubber bands/bread ties. You should create a kind of seal to trap the moisture around the branch and encourage it to develop roots.
7. Let the branch sit in the air chamber and check regularly for roots. Once the branch has developed a few healthy roots, you can cut it from the parent stock and plant it like a regular clone.

Happy air layering!